Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, with a price tag of $42,083, presented a blend of rugged and refined aesthetics. Despite its fully-loaded status, it maintained a modest appearance, akin to a rental car. The vehicle's design could have benefited from larger wheels or an Adventure trim level to match its non-hybrid counterpart. Its electronic AWD system, however, was not equipped for such enhancements. The RAV4 Hybrid exuded a tough demeanor, needing only a bolder wheel set to enhance its look. Inside, it offered a stylish and practical environment, though the quality varied with a mix of impressive materials and hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the interior was functional and user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its unique sound and appearance. Aside from subtle blue accents and a power port, it resembled a standard Wrangler. The vehicle's silent operation in electric mode turned heads, especially in scenic locations like Yosemite National Park. Priced at $66,690, the Firecracker Red Rubicon trim was well-equipped, though other trims like Sahara offered a more affordable entry point. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retained its rugged charm with a hose-me-out interior, enhanced by soft-touch materials and practical controls. The layout was functional, with robust grab handles hinting at its off-road capabilities. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Wrangler 4xe offered a more refined interior than previous models, though luxury was not its forte.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard AWD and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, offering lively acceleration and a combined fuel economy of 40 mpg, as per EPA estimates. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The SUV's suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system contributed to a comfortable ride, though the tires lacked grip during spirited driving. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the RAV4 Hybrid handled light off-road conditions well.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine paired with electric motors, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing for versatile driving experiences. The Wrangler 4xe could travel 21 miles on electric power alone, with a total range of 370 miles. During testing, it achieved 20.8 mpg in hybrid mode. The vehicle's off-road prowess was enhanced by its upgraded 4WD system, though its aerodynamic inefficiency affected electric range. The Wrangler 4xe's steering was less precise at high speeds, but its regenerative braking improved efficiency during descents.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample rear-seat legroom. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was plentiful, with useful shelves and a spacious cargo area offering 37.5 cubic feet, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to enter due to high door sills, but once inside, it offered a classic Wrangler driving position with clear visibility. The interior was comfortable, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available. Storage was limited, but rear-seat passengers had access to air vents, USB ports, and power outlets. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet, though the design made access challenging in tight spaces.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a choice of infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch displays, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system and dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and voice recognition. Camera-based technology, such as a 360-degree camera system, was available.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel provided charging time estimates, and blue charging indicator lights offered a quick view of battery status.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The SUV earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered safety features in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages, including blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Wrangler received a Marginal rating for its headlights from the IIHS and a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA.